Categorical Exemption for the Geotechnical Investigation for the City of Palo Alto Project for Grade Separation: Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charlest

The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, in coordination with the City of Palo Alto, is initiating a targeted geotechnical investigation to support the Palo Alto Grade Separation Project. This project involves conducting three rotary wash borings and approximately thirteen cone penetration tests to depths of 50 to 60 feet at the Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road crossings. The primary objective is to collect subsurface data necessary for 15 percent design-level evaluations, independent cost estimates, and 35 percent design refinements, while also supporting early hazard identification required by the Rail Crossing Elimination Grant. The estimated value for this work is approximately $117,740, with an expected start date in July 2025. All field activities will be confined to City-owned public rights-of-way and will not occur within the Caltrain rail corridor or near sensitive environmental or cultural resource areas. The scope includes vacuum excavation for utility locating, followed by temporary borings that must be backfilled and resurfaced according to City and Valley Water standards. Contractors must hold a valid C-57 or C-61/D-09 license and maintain primary insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 for personal injury and property damage. Strict regulatory compliance is required, including adherence to Cal/OSHA safety rules, coordination with Valley Water's Well Ordinance Program, and the immediate cessation of work should any archaeological resources be discovered. All applications and traffic control plans must be submitted electronically through the Palo Alto Online Permitting System.